Cross Country Preview From the Aug. 15 edition of The Bridgeport News by Jeff Toquinto Editor of The Bridgeport News Practice is underway for Bridgeport’s boys and girls cross country teams at Bridgeport City Park. For those under the impression practice was to begin Monday and you may have missed your shot at trying out, don’t worry. Coach Julie Hartley said due to confusion over a published tryout date, numbers in the early going are lower than expected. Only 12 have shown up for practice, but Hartley hopes that number will rise. “We’re going to leave tryouts open,” said Hartley. “We think the numbers will pick up.” Hartley does have some solid athletes to build the teams around. On the boys side, senior Brant Edgell and sophomore Ben Booth look to lead the way, said Hartley. On the girls side, however, Hartley has the chore of replacing the Indians one all-stater last year. Theresa Melko, who has graduated, was also the only BHS representative in last year's state cross country event. “It’s hard for any program to recover from losing a talented athlete like Theresa,” said Hartley. “She was a good runner and a team leader.” Hartley said there are others willing to take over the leadership spot from Melko. She pointed to Meghan Shepherd and Kate Merriner as two that could lead the way. Along with trying to build the program this year, Hartley said the club will have its first-ever home meet on Sept. 25 at Bel Meadow Country Club. That meet will be called the Bridgeport Indians Freedom Run and Hartley said they are looking for sponsors. “We hope it will be a success,” said Hartley. BHS will have its first of 12 meets on Sept. 7. The club will take part in the St. Marys Autumn Classic. For a complete schedule, log on to www.runwv.com. For those wanting to participate, go to Bridgeport City Park. Practice is being held at 6 p.m.